A conversation about densification with Jim DeKoekkoek, Product Line Manager, Antennas and Small Cells, Kathrein
The below is only a summary. Download a transcript of the complete interview and the full report “Massively densified networks. Why we need them and how we can build them.”
At Kathrein, densification is pushing towards new antenna configuration, form factor, and location – and more generally to deploy equipment that blends in the environment or cannot be seen. In our conversation with Jim DeKoekkoek, Product Line Manager, Antennas and Small Cells, we talked about Street Connect, a solution that takes small cells below ground, protected by specially designed manholes.
This is the first step in a new way to plan for antennas. Jim told us: “in terms of new products, we are coming out with a series of antennas that I would liken to Lego blocks. They’re antennas that are designed to be mounted in hidden places. Places like behind, say, an advertising sign in an airport or some public space. You can configure them by combining them. If an operator needs more gain, or more directionality, a combination of two, or three, or four of them can be easily be placed together, or back to back. Lots of good applications, so we’re really having fun with the small cells.”
And IoT’s wide range of requirements will push for networks towards the use of multiple bands and technologies. Jim added: “From meter reading to applications with low-latency requirements, you’re going to utilize more than one technology. Where you’re reading a meter once a month, you don’t care when it comes in. When you’re trying to maybe do an emergency broadcast, you might have a different technology. They all are going to be useful tools down the road.”
We further discussed the topic of densification during our recent webinar. Download the webinar.
